Job Details

Firefighter

Under general supervision, performs general emergency response work in firefighting, emergency rescue, and hazardous material response. Work involves performing fire suppression, emergency rescue and/or hazardous material containment or cleanup work in response to alarms, and operating associated equipment and apparatus; and training in the methods and techniques of emergency response operations and use of equipment and apparatus. Employee is also responsible for inspecting and maintaining equipment, performing fire inspections, and performing various maintenance and custodial duties at the assigned fire station. Reports to a Fire Lieutenant or Captain. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to incidents requiring firefighting, emergency rescue or hazardous material response. May make initial determination of necessary personnel, equipment and suppression or containment tactics until relieved by superior officer.
• Advances hose lines into fire area. Selects hose nozzle, depending on type of fire. Lays and connects hoses. Holds nozzle and directs stream of water onto fire. Raises and climbs ladders. Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using various hand and power tools. Enters premises for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations. Uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment. Maintains proficiency in engine company level skills.
• Performs necessary emergency rescue work in accordance with established protocols for Basic Life Support. Administers necessary emergency medical care requiring the use of suction units, immobilization equipment, oxygen delivery systems, etc.
• Identifies hazardous materials and type of container or carrier at spill scene. Uses various booms and barriers to contain spills and mitigate runoff. Performs fire suppression activities, as necessary. Assists in direction of evacuation operations, as necessary.
• Performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, sweeping water, removing debris and placing ventilation equipment.
• Inspects assigned emergency response apparatus and equipment daily to ensure efficient operating condition and readiness. Cleans and maintains equipment, as necessary, after completion of emergency response operations. Performs minor repairs and assists in major repair of apparatus and equipment, as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in training sessions on such topics as fire suppression techniques, equipment techniques, emergency medical care, hazardous material containment, street layout and building and hydrant location, etc.
• Prepares and maintains activity records, providing pertinent information to department personnel on following shift. Reviews activity reports from previous shift and confers with personnel, as necessary. Maintains proficiency in report writing.
• Serve as an apparatus operator, as necessary and approved.
• Maintains all requirements of Firefighter Recruit.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Is eligible for consideration for assignment to the Fire/EMS Training Bureau and Fire Marshal's Office.

Required Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, and successful completion of the probationary period from a certified Fire Fighter Recruit Academy; or a minimum of 3 years' experience in firefighting and emergency response, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Requires a valid driver's license. Must hold or have the ability to acquire by reciprocity the following Commonwealth of Virginia certifications: Firefighter II; HAZMAT operations; Class III EVOC; and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. VDFP Basic Pump or Driver Pump Operator preferred. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the department-provided mini academy and Driver Pump Operator certification within one year of the effective start date.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the operating characteristics and service requirements of equipment and apparatus used in firefighting, fire prevention, rescue operations and hazardous material response.
• Knowledge of the hazards involved in emergency response operations and of the applicable safety precautions.
• Knowledge of basic emergency medical procedures and extrication techniques.
• Knowledge of street layout, subdivisions, buildings and the location of fire hydrants in the City.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read a variety of reports, correspondence, charts, forms, permits, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including emergency response codes, and fire, medical and legal terminology.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and apply the theories of algebra and geometry.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
• Ability to operate and care for assigned emergency response apparatus and equipment.
• Ability to exercise initiative in meeting and resolving emergency situations.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and correctly and adopt effective courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances.
• Ability to maintain routine activity reports.
• Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions when required.